CNA's

Jedi_Iatros · Jan 23, 2006

How long is the CNA's (certified nursing assistants) program & tuition cost. How much do they get paid, where do they work, their duties as CNA's, and can it really prepare you for LPN & RN programs.

Depends where you go. It could cost you $1000 per program or do what I did: Hook up with a nursing home that pays while you train as a CNA. Best career move I've ever done.

CNAs in California make anywhere from $10 to $21 per hour.

LoriAlabamaRN · Jan 23, 2006

Hi there,

The pay scale for CNAs varies widely depending on where you live. Here in southeast Alabama, the pay is from $6- $8/hr. If you go through a CNA program at a local training center, you'll pay about $500, but a much smarter option is to call around to your local long term care facilities. Most of them will train you at no cost to you and pay YOU by the hour to take the classes in exchange for working at that facility afterwards.

The duties of the CNAs usually include toileting (both taking residents to and from the bathroom and changing adult diapers), taking vital signs, bathing, and other basic care.

As for helping with school, I was a CNA up until getting my RN degree, and I think it helped quite a lot!

Lori

Mirai Kangofu · Jan 23, 2006

If the area has a lot of vocational schools, then you might have a harder time finding a place to train you for free. You'll pay anywhere from about $500-$1000 for a course, which can be 3 weeks during the daytime, 6 weeks during the evenings, or 9 weeks on the weekends. There might be a break before the state licensing exam so you can do extra clinical work.

aspentree13 · Jan 25, 2006

The best place to get CNA training is through a long-term care facility. But be forewarned that sometimes that training comes with obligations. Like at my facility where I was trained I am obligated to work only for them. For instance I can't quit here and go work at the hospital where I could possibly make more money, and receive more training. Granted this is a small town but check into it before you obligate yourself.

I get paid $11/hr. plus shift differential, I also recieve excellent benefits. The main part of my job is taking care of the residents, I wake them up, I get them dressed, I take them to the bathroom, I help them eat their meals, and I intereact with them! (Thats the best part, also the hardest) Its a really great job and I love it.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2006

CNAs in California make anywhere from $10 to $21 per hour.

I am doubtful of the $21 hourly figure. The average LVN/LPN doesn't even earn $21 per hour, so how could a CNA with only a few months of training earn more than a licensed nurse? :rolleyes:

I just moved from southern California in November 2005, and CNAs in the greater Los Angeles area earned between $7.50 and $12 hourly.

chadash · Jan 26, 2006

In community colleges, it can be a 6-8 week course for about 100-150 dollars. If you work in LTC, pay is about 8-11/hour, 10-12 in hospitals, 12-14in home health, more in private pay.